McAuliffe Airs Ad During Super Bowl

Terry McAuliffe, a Democratic candidate for governor, aired a campaign commercial in Hampton Roads during the Super Bowl, according to a GOP strategist who saw the ad.

The 30-second ad aired on Norfolk's NBC affiliate at 9:07 p.m. just after the conclusion of the 3rd Quarter. A McAuliffe spokesman confirmed the ad buy, but was unable to say how much it cost to purchase the airtime.

McAuliffe began airing television ads in Hampton Roads last week, which is believed to be the earliest that any statewide candidate in Virginia has ever launched a paid media campaign.

McAuliffe now also probably becomes the first statewide candidate to ever air a campaign commercial during the Super Bowl.

Last year, President Obama made news when he aired a commerical in some markets during the Super Bowl, which occurred a few days before Super Tuesday. In McAuliffe's case, he is advertising for a Democratic primary that is still more than four months away.

I think most people realize it takes money to win elections. The issue with McAuliffe (among others) is that's being put front and center in our faces. If he wins the primary, it's going to be largely due to the money he raises and spends. Terry has spent his career raising money, he's put together a pricey staff, top fundraisers, and is working the campaign trail hard to convince people he's been involved and knows Virginia.

I hope Democratic primary voters realize what Terry's campaign is all about and don't assume Terry is the top candidate because they get more mail, he has a cool website, and he's able to air a pricey Super Bowl ad.